Cardiology: coarctation of aorta: practice question

A Pediatrics question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

Pediatrics · Cardiology: coarctation of aorta

Sample item

A 10-year-old has hypertension in the arms, weak femoral pulses and rib notching on chest X-ray. Which sign on X-ray indicates the stenosis site?

ABoot-shaped heartBFigure-of-3 signCEgg-on-sideDSnowman sign

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Figure-of-3 sign

Coarctation of the aorta shows a figure-of-3 sign from pre-stenotic and post-stenotic dilatation, and rib notching from collaterals through intercostal arteries. Radio-femoral delay and upper limb hypertension are clinical hints. Turner syndrome is a known association.

Option by option

A. Boot-shaped heart
A boot-shaped heart is seen in Fallot.
B. Figure-of-3 sign (correct)
Correct. The figure-of-3 sign marks the coarctation.
C. Egg-on-side
Egg-on-side is seen in TGA.
D. Snowman sign
A snowman sign is seen in TAPVC.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

Questions about this Pediatrics question

What is the answer to this Pediatrics question?

The best answer is B, Figure-of-3 sign. Coarctation of the aorta shows a figure-of-3 sign from pre-stenotic and post-stenotic dilatation, and rib notching from collaterals through intercostal arteries.

Why is "Boot-shaped heart" not the answer?

A boot-shaped heart is seen in Fallot.

Why is "Egg-on-side" not the answer?

Egg-on-side is seen in TGA.

Why is "Snowman sign" not the answer?

A snowman sign is seen in TAPVC.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Cardiology: coarctation of aorta in Pediatrics. Radio-femoral delay and upper limb hypertension are clinical hints. Turner syndrome is a known association.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Cardiology: coarctation of aorta?

Memorise milestones and the vaccine schedule as tables and revise them often. Then use the flashcards and the other Pediatrics questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.